Maxine McDonald

Maxine (Zeigler) McDonald, 78, a 34-year resident of Fountain Hills, passed away peacefully Feb. 26, 2015 at home with her family at her side. She had fought cancer for eight years with all her strength and determination.

Maxine was born to Max and Edith Scamehorn in Grand Rapids Mich. Sept. 9, 1936. Upon her mother’s death in 1938, she was raised by her Uncle Everett and Aunt Mabel Scamehorn in Traverse City, Mich.

In 1954 Maxine married Burt Irish and through the years they had five children who survive; Cyndi (Ricardo) Bautista of Fountain Hills, Debbie (Bill) Stelma, Steve (Sue) Irish and Brenda Heintzelman-Irish, all of Michigan, and Julie (Randy) Gritten of Indiana.

Maxine was also “Nana” to 14 grandchildren and expecting her 18th great-grandchild next month. She was preceded in death by her parents and half-brother, Professor Robert Moulton.

In 1981 Maxine moved from Michigan to Fountain Hills with her daughter Julie. She worked at Telephonics and later at Paul’s Ace Hardware until her retirement in 1995.

In 1988 daughter Cyndi also moved from Michigan to Fountain Hills with her three sons Tony, David and Robert Wineman.

Per Maxine’s wishes, there will be a private memorial. Cremation was handled by Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary and her ashes will be interred at Christ’s Church Prayer Garden in Fountain Hills.